Art at New Paltz

For more than half a century, the State University of New York at New Paltz has been well known for its professional art programs and its distinguished faculty of practicing artists and designers who help students pursue creative interests and prepare for careers in the various art disciplines.

At the undergraduate level, all students enter the department as a Bachelor of Science (BS) major. A student may focus on a particular discipline or take an interdisciplinary approach to their studio coursework. Once a student completes foundational and basic studio coursework, he or she may then apply to a particular Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program, remain in the BS program, or pursue the more liberal arts-oriented Bachelor of Arts (BA). The Art Department offers a number of degree programs to accommodate student interests.

The Master of Fine Arts degree program is a 60-hour program specializing in Ceramics, Metal, Painting & Drawing, Printmaking, Photography & Related Media, and Sculpture. Our MFA programs maintain a tradition of excellence, involving cutting-edge artists, historians, critics and curators. New Paltz is regularly included among the best schools in the Northeast and its Metals program has consistently been ranked as the best in the nation.

Alumni Spotlight

Congratulations to Veleta Vancza '00 (BFA) on being awarded a patent (US9730868 B2) for the formulas used to create MINE Luxury Nail Lacquer, as well as formulas for other types of paints, lacquers & suspension based coatings that are pigmented with precious metals & gemstones.